Cytogenetic methods for assessing human exposure to toluene in Coimbatore, South India.

The aim of the present study was to identify genetic alterations occurring in rotograving workers chronically exposed to toluene. A total of 60 samples from 30 exposed subjects and 30 age-matched controls, selected based on the toluene level present in their urine, were recruited. Exposed subjects were categorized based on their duration of exposure and smoking habitats. Controls were normal and healthy and categorized based on their smoking habits. Cell cultures were established from blood samples collected from the control and experimental subjects after obtaining informed consent. G-banding and comet assays were used to identify genetic alterations. A higher degree of total chromosome aberration was identified in exposed subjects compared to controls. As expected, controls exhibited minimal number of alterations. The overall CA frequency due to toluene exposure was significantly different from that of the controls for both chromatid and chromosome type aberrations (P\0.05 by ANOVA). . The habit of cigarette smoking among the workers had a synergistic effect on inducing DNA damage. In conclusion, this work shows a clear genotoxic effect associated with toluene exposure, our results also reinforcing the conclusion of higher sensitivity of cytogenetic assays for the biomonitoring of occupationally exposed populations. There is a strong need to educate those who work with potentially hazardous materials about adverse effects and highlight the importance of using protective measures.

DNA damage in viscose factory workers occupationally exposed to carbon di-sulfide using buccal cell comet assay

Aim: The most important industrial use of carbon disulfide (CS2) has been in the fabrication of regeneratedcellulose rayon by the viscose process and cellophane. CS2 leads to increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations in workers with occupational exposure to CS2. Methods: In the present study, the DNA damage was analyzed by using buccal cell comet assay for 30 viscose plant workers who are occupationally exposed to CS2 and 30 healthy individuals. Both groups were classified as smokers and non-smokers and only the experimental subjects were classified based on the exposure period. The data were analyzed statistically bythe Student’s t-test. Results: The results of this study showed increased levels of DNA damage among viscose plant workers. Conclusion: The habit of cigarette smoking among the viscose workers had a synergistic effect on inducing DNA damage.